To observe International Bio-Diversity Day on Sunday, June 13th we went trekking in the highlands of Mt. Sannine. Despite the high altitude (2500+ meters) there was an amazing variety of flora that made for a spectacular landscape of rugged mountains, diverse and colorful shrubbery and scattered snowfields. Christian (our guide) told us that the amount of snow was what it usually looks like in August. The snowfall this winter was minimal. The only person we met on our hike was Khalil the shepherd and his freshly shorn flock of 400  sheep and four sheep dogs. Watching sheep sliding down a snowfield is really hilarious because they seemed to be doing it intentionally.

Highland shrubbery

To commemorate World Tourism Day, Pascale Abdallah (Responsible mobilities), organized a ‘Green’ ascent to the summit of Mt. Hermon (AKA Jabal El Sheikh). At 2814 m it is the second highest peak in Lebanon and has an exceptional view of three countries: Lebanon, Syria and Occupied Palestine). We got up at daybreak and commenced our hike in the town of Chebaa, famous among other things, for it’s 7 watermills. It owes it’s existence to the water and snows of Mt. Hermon. A tough hike by most standards: 2000 m of elevation gain that  is virtually all uphill, it took us about 7hrs. to get to the summit.

Apple break

Most of our supplies (tents, water and food) were packed up by mules.

Bitter cold and stong winds were the price to pay for our 1st class seats to an amazing sunrise. We all agreed it was worth it.

Sunrise From The Peak

On Saturday August 8th, I took part in a protest against the attempt to construct a private residence in close proximity to the Kfardebiane natural bridge.  An extremely rare natural occurance, this land bridge (a product of hundreds of thousands of years of unique geological conditions) is massive in scale (52m long and 58m in height) and a breathtaking sight. It lies, unfortunately close to a private plot of land.  Environmental groups and NGO’s have fought for its preservation for the past 15 years. Despite  decrees by the government declaring it  a national preserve the landowner continuously attempts to bypass and contest these laws. The planned construction would definitely threaten the structural integrity of the bridge.

The Kfardebiane natural bridge seen from the west

If you look right above the bridge and to the left you can make out the stone wall that the owner has already built.

Protestors' banner reads: DON'T TOUCH THE NATURAL STONE BRIDGE

It was heartening to see such a strong turnout: celebrities (including Maxime Chaaya, the first Lebanese to climb Everest), politicians, environmental groups, youth organizations, eco-tour operators and substantial media coverage.  The bridge is one of the prominent landmarks on the LMT.

For more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hagopkazazian/2270312312/